ALMATY. April 19. Press center - KazNU named after al-Farabi together with the Scientific Research Institute of Biological Safety Problems will train virologists for Master's and PhD doctoral programs. The parties agreed on this during a meeting between the Chairman of the Board - Rector of the country's leading university Zh. K. Tuimebayev and Director General of the Research Institute of Biological Safety Problems K.D. Zakarya, having signed a cooperation agreement.

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the country has experienced a shortage of personnel in the field of epidemiology and virology. The country's leading university responded to this urgent request of society by developing a joint educational project with the Research Institute of Biological Safety Problems to train highly qualified specialists in the field of virology for the educational program of Master's and PhD doctoral studies.

To discuss important issues of cooperation, the Chairman of the Board - Rector of KazNU named after Al-Farabi Zh. K. Tuimebayev and Director General of the Research Institute of Biological Safety Problems KD Zakarya. During the meeting, a cooperation agreement was signed, which determined the direction of further work within the framework of this project.

“For the first time in the country, specialists-virologists will be trained at the Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology of KazNU. Special laboratories of the Research Institute of Biological Safety Problems will also contribute to the training of personnel. This initiative will contribute to the optimal solution of a number of problematic issues in the industry ”, - noted the rector of KazNU Zhanseit Tuimebayev.

The educational program "Virology" assumes an emphasis on practical training. A large amount of time in the learning process will be devoted to acquiring skills and abilities in the laboratory. Future specialists will be taught how to conduct research and diagnostics, identify new types of viruses, methods of molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology and genetics, etc.

By organizing training and professional practical classes, master classes and seminars, the Research Institute of Biological Safety Problems is also considering the possibility of further employment of graduates, as well as internships, advanced training courses for employees in the field of virology, biology and biotechnology.

In addition, within the framework of cooperation, it is planned, through joint efforts of KazNU and research institutes, to hold round tables, seminars, meetings on the issues of synchronizing the requirements of the labor market and education, increasing the level of competitiveness of young personnel.

“In the near future, special dissertation councils will open at our research institute. Also, foreign scientists will be involved in research work and providing methodological assistance to students. In turn, this initiative will contribute not only to solving the problem of shortage of personnel, but also to the formation of a school of qualified and educated specialists, ”said Kunsulu Zakarya, Director General of the Scientific Research Institute for Biological Safety Problems.

Department of Image Policy and Public Relations of Al-Farabi KazNU

e-mail: farabi_press@gmail.com